Invisalign

What Patients Need to Know About Invisalign Treatment in Miami, FL.

Invisalign consists of a series of computer generated clear aligning trays that fit over the upper and lower teeth. The aligners work in a series and are replaced every two weeks. Invisalign is most effective for treating minor to moderate tooth crowding and spacing problems, but with the improvements in Invisalign technology, aligner therapy can be used to treat many other types of bites. It is completely normal for potential Invisalign patients to have questions and we have created a list of frequently asked questions that we have heard from potential Miami Invisalign patients.

Invisalign Treatment with a Dentist or an Orthodontist?

Dentists are able to treat patients with Invisalign, but it is always advisable to have a consultation with a board certified orthodontist before undertaking any type of tooth movement. If patients require other types of controlled tooth movement, an orthodontist is best trained and equipped to accomplish tooth movement. Many times orthodontists can use clear aligning trays like Invisalign to complete tooth movement after other appliances have been used.

Advantages of Invisalign:

HEALTH: It’s easier to clean your teeth and prevent cavities with Invisalign because the trays are removable. The great access for cleaning teeth makes it also possible to minimize gum inflammation.

COMFORT: The trays are usually more comfortable than traditional braces because there aren’t brackets and wires that can irritate the inside of the lips and cheeks.

APPEARANCE: Because they are clear, the trays are less noticeable than traditional bracket and wire braces.

FUNCTION: Because the trays are removed when eating, you can enjoy more foods. With traditional braces, patients need to avoid hard foods that can dislodge or break brackets and wires, and also avoid sticky foods that will adhere to brackets and wires and be difficult to clean away. Also, patients typically speak normally while wearing the aligners. This is not always the case when the soft tissue of the mouth is irritated by traditional brackets and wires.

Disadvantages of Invisalign:

Patients need to comply with treatment by wearing the aligners, except when eating and cleaning teeth, about 22 hours per day. Some patients, especially teens, find it difficult to stick to wearing their trays, every day for 22 hours.

Traditional braces are best designed to control vertical movement and rotation of the teeth to align the upper and lower teeth into an optimal bite position.

Many times, traditional braces can move teeth into proper position faster.

Depending on the tooth movements that need to occur, traditional braces may be more predictable at achieve certain tooth movements. Since metal or clear ceramic brackets are bonded to each tooth and a metal or clear wire is attached to the brackets, an orthodontist can determine the exact force that needs to be placed on a tooth. This precise movement in any needed direction predictably results in optimal tooth position and bone formation.

Oftentimes orthodontic procedures such as palate expansion are needed to guide the development of the palate. In these situations, Invisalign is not an appropriate choice during the phase when bone is being expanded. Other procedures such as orthognathic surgery can be performed with orthodontic treatment, depending on the preference of the orthognathic surgeon. In Miami, we work with several extremely talented surgeons that have extensive experience with Invisalign.

Board Certified Orthodontic Specialist for Invisalign Treatment

If you are interested in Invisalign, it is wise to consult with a board certified orthodontist who has extensive experience with both Invisalign and traditional braces. Patients treated by an orthodontic specialist have an extra sense of security knowing that the Invisalign treatment recommended can predictably align teeth and provide for optimal oral health.

If you are interested in Invisalign treatment in Miami, we would like to offer you a free orthodontic consultation with Dr. Sanders. Please call our office at (305) 598-3384 and we would be more than happy to help you achieve the smile you have always wanted.

For more information about Invisalign treatment at Orthodontics Only in Miami, please read more on Invisalign.

About the Author:Derek Sanders is an Orthodontist at Orthodontics Only in Miami, FL. He has numerous publications and has lectured extensively on topics including braces and Invisalign. Dr. Sanders teaches at the University of Miami and is on the Craniofacial Team at Miami Children's Hospital. He has a blog and can also be found on Google+. See more articles by Derek Sanders.